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Iranian mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) include 73 species across eight genera. The fauna of mosquitoes in Guilan Province comprises 34 species classified into seven genera. A faunistic study of mosquitoes was conducted with emphasis on an aggressive biter mosquito reported by local people in Anzali and Rasht Cities of Guilan Province, northern Iran. Collections were made by hand catches using manual aspirators, light traps, BG lure traps and ovitraps during August–November 2023 in all 17 counties of the province. Species identification was carried out using morphological keys and molecular analysis of the barcode region of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. In total, 29 larvae and 896 adult specimens were collected which were not recognized as a species previously known to occur in the province. The aggressive biter mosquito was morphologically identified as Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1895). The sequences of the barcode region of the COI gene of the species were generated for the first time in the country. This species was collected in 14 counties of the province. Thus, the mosquito fauna of Guilan Province increased to 35 species.

We explored the potential impact of climate-driven factors [East Atlantic-West Russian pattern, sea surface level (SSL), sea surface temperature (SST) and river discharge] alongside fishing effort (E) on shifts in aquatic species demographics. Dynamic factor analysis (DFA) was employed for indices of annual catch (Cat), Abundance (Abu), fingerlings released, spawning stock biomass (SSB), percentage of immature (Imm), mega spawners and relative condition factor from datasets of Chelon aurata and Rutilus kutum over 30 years. Of 324 DFA models, the optimal model for both species included a “diagonal and unequal“ R matrix with SST, SSL and E as exploratory covariates, revealing one common trend for C. aurata and SST and SSL and two common trends for R. kutum. Within the common trend for C. aurata, Abu and SSB displayed a strong positive correlation with trend 1. In the case of R. kutum, the first common trend showed a positive correlation with Cat, Abu, and SSB and a negative one with Imm. Also, rising SST and decreasing SSL negatively affect species’ health. This study emphasizes integrated monitoring and management to sustain fish species and the ecosystem, advocating adaptive strategies to counter environmental stressors and anthropogenic effects.

Author(s): Li Li [sup.1] , Mohammed A. Mamun [sup.2] [sup.14] [sup.15] [sup.16] , Firoj Al-Mamun [sup.2] [sup.14] [sup.16] , Irfan Ullah [sup.3] , Ismail Hosen [sup.2] , Syed Ahsan Zia [...], The Internet Disorder Scale-Short Form (IDS9-SF) is a validated instrument assessing internet disorder which modified the internet gaming disorder criteria proposed in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). However, the relationships between the nine items in the IDS9-SF are rarely investigated. The present study used network analysis to investigate the features of the IDS9-SF among three populations in Bangladesh, Iran, and Pakistan. Data were collected (N = 1901; 957 [50.3%] females; 666 [35.0%] Pakistani, 533 [28.1%] Bangladesh, and 702 [36.9%] Iranians) using an online survey platform (e.g., Google Forms). All the participants completed the IDS9-SF. The central-stability-coefficients of the nine IDS9-SF items were 0.71, 0.89, 0.96, 0.98, 0.98, 1.00, 0.67, 0.79, and 0.91, respectively. The node centrality was stable and interpretable in the network. The Network Comparison Test (NCT) showed that the network structure had no significant differences among Pakistani, Bangladeshi, and Iranian participants (p-values = 0.172 to 0.371). Researchers may also use the IDS9-SF to estimate underlying internet addiction for their target participants and further explore and investigate the phenomenon related to internet addiction.

Abstract Background Phubbing, a phenomenon of ignoring others in face-to-face conversations due to mobile phone use, can be assessed using a Phubbing Scale (PS). Recently, the PS has been shortened into an eight-item version, the PS-8. However, psychometric properties of the PS-8 among Iranian, Bangladeshi and Pakistani individuals remain understudied, especially using advanced psychometric testing, such as Rasch and network analyses. Methods Participants residing in Iran, Bangladesh, and Pakistan (n = 1902; 50.4% females; mean age = 26.3 years) completed the PS-8 and the Internet Disorder Scale-Short Form (IDS9-SF) via an online survey. Network analysis was used to examine if PS-8 items were differentiated from IDS9-SF items; confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to examine the factor structure and measurement invariance of the PS-8; Rasch modeling was used to examine the dimensionality of the PS-8 and differential item functioning (DIF). Results Network analysis showed that PS-8 items were clustered together with a distance to the IDS9-SF items. The CFA results supported a two-factor structure of the PS-8, and the two-factor structure was found to be invariant across countries and women and men. Rasch model results indicated that the two PS-8 subscales were both unidimensional and did not display DIF across countries and gender/sex. Conclusion The PS-8 is a feasible and robust instrument for healthcare providers, especially mental health professionals, to quickly assess and evaluate individuals’ phubbing behaviors.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the deadliest primary central nervous system tumor. miRNAs (miRs), a class of non-coding RNAs, are considered pivotal post-transcriptional regulators of cell signaling pathways. miR-21 is a reliable oncogene that promotes tumorigenesis of cancer cells. We first performed an in silico analysis on 10 microarray datasets retrieved from TCGA and GEO databases to elucidate top differentially expressed miRs. Furthermore, we generated a circular miR-21 decoy, CM21D, using the tRNA-splicing mechanism in GBM cell models, U87 and C6. The inhibitory efficacy of CM21D with that of a linear form, LM21D, was compared under in vitro conditions and an intracranial C6 rat glioblastoma model. miR-21 significantly overexpressed in GBM samples and confirmed in GBM cell models using qRT-PCR. CM21D was more efficient than LM21D at inducing apoptosis, inhibiting cell proliferation and migration, and interrupting the cell cycle by restoring the expression of miR-21 target genes at RNA and protein levels. Moreover, CM21D suppressed tumor growth more effectively than LM21D in the C6-rat GBM model (p

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most prevalent brain tumour, is universally fatal. GBM cells exhibit cell cycle disruption and treatment resistance, remarking an urgent need for newer treatments. Fingolimod, a sphingosine‐1‐phosphate receptor modulator, has been reported to have anti‐cancer effects. This study investigated the therapeutic potentials of fingolimod in rat C6 cells and pursued the involved mechanism(s). Cell survival, proliferation, migration, and morphology of fingolimod‐treated C6 cells were evaluated using MTT, soft‐agar colony formation, wound‐healing, and Giemsa staining assays. Apoptosis was investigated through acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) and annexin V staining, and flow cytometry analysed the cell cycle. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR and western blotting were used to evaluate gene and protein expressions. An intracranial C6 rat model validated the anti‐tumour effect of fingolimod. Fingolimod significantly reduced the survival and colonies of the C6 cells and delayed their gap closure. Cell shrinkage coupled with AO/EB and PI staining of the fingolimod‐treated cells indicated apoptosis, subsequently confirmed by measuring the expression levels of the candidate genes involved in apoptosis and cell cycle, such as Bax/Bcl2, P53, Cytochrome C and Caspases 9/3, Fas, Fadd, Tnfrsf1a, Cdkn1a, and Ccnd1, at RNA and protein levels, indicating both extrinsic and mitochondrial apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at sub‐G1 phase in fingolimod‐treated cells. Furthermore, treating rats bearing intracranial C6 tumours with fingolimod led to significant suppression of intracranial tumour growth. Based on our findings, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis contribute to fingolimod antitumor effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Fingolimod is a well-tolerated, highly effective disease-modifying therapy successfully utilized in the management of multiple sclerosis. The active metabolite, fingolimod-phosphate, acts on sphingosine-1-phosphate receptors (S1PRs) to bring about an array of pharmacological effects. While being initially recognized as a novel agent that can profoundly reduce T-cell numbers in circulation and the CNS, thereby suppressing inflammation and MS, there is now rapidly increasing knowledge on its previously unrecognized molecular and potential therapeutic effects in diverse pathological conditions. In addition to exerting inhibitory effects on sphingolipid pathway enzymes, fingolimod also inhibits histone deacetylases, transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 7 (TRMP7), cytosolic phospholipase A2α (cPLA2α), reduces lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) plasma levels, and activates protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A). Furthermore, fingolimod induces apoptosis, autophagy, cell cycle arrest, epigenetic regulations, macrophages M1/M2 shift and enhances BDNF expression. According to recent evidence, fingolimod modulates a range of other molecular pathways deeply rooted in disease initiation or progression. Experimental reports have firmly associated the drug with potentially beneficial therapeutic effects in immunomodulatory diseases, CNS injuries, and diseases including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), epilepsy, and even cancer. Attractive pharmacological effects, relative safety, favorable pharmacokinetics, and positive experimental data have collectively led to its testing in clinical trials. Based on the recent reports, fingolimod may soon find its way as an adjunct therapy in various disparate pathological conditions. This review summarizes the up-to-date knowledge about molecular pharmacology and potential therapeutic uses of fingolimod.

Abstract Introduction Patients with COVID‐19 often suffer from psychological problems such as post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and self‐stigmatization that may negatively impact their quality of life and sleep. This study examined mental health as a potential mediating factor linking self‐stigmatization and PTSD to quality of life and sleep. Methods Using a cross‐sectional design, 844 people who had recovered from COVID‐19 were called and interviewed. Data were collected using structured scales. Structural equation modeling was applied to assess fitness of a mediation model including self‐stigma and PTSD as independent factors and quality of life and insomnia as dependent variables. Results Mental health, COVID‐19‐related self‐stigma, and mental quality of life were associated. Insomnia, PTSD, and COVID‐19‐related self‐stigma displayed significant direct associations (r = .334 to 0.454; p

Glioblastoma multiform (GBM) is the most common primary brain tumor with a poor prognosis and few therapeutic choices. In vivo, tumor models are useful for enhancing knowledge of underlying GBM pathology and developing more effective therapies/agents at the preclinical level, as they recapitulate human brain tumors. The C6 glioma cell line has been one of the most widely used cell lines in neuro-oncology research as they produce tumors that share the most similarities with human GBM regarding genetic, invasion, and expansion profiles and characteristics. This review provides an overview of the distinctive features and the different animal models produced by the C6 cell line. We also highlight specific applications of various C6 in vivo models according to the purpose of the study and offer some technical notes for more convenient/repeatable modeling. This work also includes novel findings discovered in our laboratory, which would further enhance the feasibility of the model in preclinical GBM investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aim of this research was to systematically review all the randomized controlled trials that have evaluated the effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on post-stroke dysphagia. Methods: Three electronic databases were searched for relevant articles that were uploaded from their inception to March 2015: PubMed, Cochrane Library (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials), and Scopus. All data was that was related to the location of the cerebrovascular accident (CVA), the parameters of tDCS, post-stroke time to commencement of tDCS, the stimulated hemisphere, stimulation dose, any outcome measurements, and follow-up duration were extracted and assessed. Finally, a number of observations were generated through a qualitative synthesis of the extracted data.Result: Three eligible randomized controlled trials were included in the systematic review. All three trials reported that, in comparison to a placebo, tDCS had a statistically significant effect on post-stroke dysphagia.Discussion: The results of our systematic review suggest that tDCS may represent a promising novel treatment for post-stroke dysphagia. However, to date, little is known about the optimal parameters of tDCS for relieving post-stroke dysphagia. Further studies are warranted to refine this promising intervention by exploring the optimal parameters of tDCS.Conclusion: Since brainstem swallowing centers have bilateral cortical innervations, measures that enhance cortical input and sensorimotor control of brainstem swallowing may facilitate recovery from dysphagia.

Objective: Bipolar disorder (BD) is a disabling psychiatric disorder with frequent recurrences. Besides pharmacotherapy, psychoeducation could be helpful in reducing symptoms as well as recurrence of this disorder, leading to improvement of patients’ quality of life. This study aimed at investigating the effectiveness of a culturally adjusted structured program for training Iranian BD patients. Method: In a 6-month course (spring and summer 2014), 24 BD patients, visiting the outpatient clinic of Ibn-Sina Hospital in Mashhad and experiencing euthymic phase, were allocated in to 2 groups of intervention and control. The intervention group received 8 sessions of psychoeducation in four weeks. Patients in the control group received the usual treatment. The patients were evaluated with Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Young Mania Rating Scale, and Short Form 36 before the intervention and 4 weeks later, and the results were compared using independent t test. The patients were reexamined after 6 months for recurrence, hospitalization, treatment adherence, and visiting a psychiatrist, and were compared with patients in the control groups. Results: There was a significant difference in the intervention group in improvement in quality of life before and after treatment (p

The main objective of the present study was qualitative assessment of Caspian kutum (Rutilus frisii kutum Kamensky 1901) stocks by using indicators of overfishing, condition factor and relative weight in Iranian waters of the Caspian Sea during a long period (1991- 2011). Three fisheries indicators in catch were: 1) percentage of mature fish, with 100% as target 2) percent of specimens with optimum length, with 100% as target and 3) percentage of mega-spawners, with 0% as target, and if no upper size limit exists, 30-40% as representative of reasonable stock structure. Over this period, the condition factor and relative weight had a decreasing trend. The range of length with optimum yield was between 40 and 48 cm. The mega-spawner measured as fish a size larger than 48 cm. According to these three indicators, the percentage of mature (fork length>40cm), optimum size and mega-spawners were 62.0, 40.9 and 12.5% in 1991-92 which decreased less than 50, 38.2 and 8%, in the years 1992-2011, respectively. The length structure is a matter of concern. Therefore, for reservation and rebuilt of kutum in the Caspian Sea, the target was to let all (100%) fish spawn at least once, using bigger mesh size in cod end (e.g. 35mm, during whole fishing season). The aim was also to implement a fishing strategy that result no (0%) mega-spawners being caught, and the main catch focus on optimum length.